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DIARY • 1779 27
But perhaps you have begun something? May we ask?
Will you answer a question candidly?
F. B.: I don't know, but as candidly as Mrs Candour 1 I
think I certainly shall.
Mr Sheridan: What then are you about now?
F. B.: Why, twirling my fan, I think!
Mr Sheridan: No, no; but what are you about at home?
However, it is not a fair question, so I won't press it.
Yet he looked very inquisitive; but I was glad to get off
without any downright answer.
Sir Joshua: Anything in the dialogue way, I think, she
must succeed in; and 1 am sure invention will not be
wanting.
Mr Sheridan: No, indeed; I think, and say, she should
write a comedy.
Sir Joshua: I am sure I think so; and hope she will.
I could only answer by incredulous exclamations.
'Consider,' continued Sir Joshua, 'you have already
had all the applause and fame you can have given you in
the closet; but the acclamation of a theatre will be new to
you.'
And then he put down his trumpet, 2 and began a
violent clapping of his hands.
I actually shook from head to foot! I felt myself
already in Drury Lane, amidst the hubbub of a first night.
' Oh, no!' cried I, ' there may be a noise, but it will be
just the reverse.' And I returned his salute with a hissing.
Mr Sheridan joined Sir Joshua very warmly.
' Oh, sir!' cried I , ' you should not run on so—you don't
know what mischief you may do 1'
Mr Sheridan: I wish I may—I shall be very glad to be
accessory.
Sir Joshua: She has, certainly, something of a knack at
characters—where she got it, I don't know, and how she
got it, I can't imagine; but she certainly has it. And to
throw it away is
1 The School for Scandal was first produced in May, 1777.
2 Sir Joshua was deaf.